| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| Picasso offers consistently good value. Big new car discounts translate into low used prices, making this practical, roomy and well equipped five-seater a star buy for budget-conscious family motorists. |
| Handling |
|
| Comfort |
|
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
 |
| Running Costs |
|
| Value for Money |
 |
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
| NCAP |
| 4 |
| Best Models |
| 2.0L Hdi (90bhp) |
| Worst Models |
| 1.6i |
| Replacement |
| 2004 |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| Picasso is based on the Xsara hatchback but clever design banished the blandness that dragged its parent down. It outsells Scenic and is a top value choice if you don't need seven-seater capacity. The airy interior carries five in comfort. The three rear seats fold and remove individually; even with all in place, load space is generous. Equipment is good for the money SX or Desire with air con are favoured although some trim feels a bit cut-price. An attractive option for warmer days is a huge electric sunroof. The petrol engines really don't match Picasso's value proposition. They drive well enough and give 35mpg, but it's the punchy yet refined 2.0 HDi turbodiesel that takes the performance prize and rewards drivers with nearly 50mpg. Driving characteristics are unremarkable, with light steering responses, body roll, an unusual dash-mounted gearstick, and a driving position that some people find lacks comfortable adjustment. |
| Positive Points |
- Keenly priced popular midi-MPV
- Roomy five-seater capacity, adequate load space
- Comfortable ride, excellent 2.0 HDi turbodiesel
|
| Negative Points |
- Some body roll; no fun to drive quickly
- Driving position could offer more adjustment
- Depreciation is steepening with lots about now
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